Loki was extremely perplexed about the entire situation.
Hearing that the prophecy of his desire to rule Asgard was now circulating the realms, filled him with a heavy sense of dread, which was worrisome to say the least.

After leaving Belle, he'd immediately dispatched a trusted emissary of Odin's to Avonlea, with strict instructions to discreetly make enquiries as to their source.

The other issue he found equally as disturbing, was why Belle seemed to have the effect on him that she did.
If by helping her he'd reverse the prophecy, then surely he'd done more than enough for her now already. But somehow she had managed to make him feel guilty for having handled her roughly.
She'd also impressed him by standing her ground when he became angry. And she'd made his senses almost come undone by...well, not doing anything, other than by being attractive.
Also she'd made him feel as though she....understood him....to some extent.

"Pathetic."
He chided himself aloud for being so ridiculous.

After all, she didn't know him so how could she possibly even begin to understand him?
And why would he find such a simple, common girl attractive? Admittedly she was strikingly fair of face and form, and certainly didn't look like a peasant, but she was no sophisticated Goddess either.

He reasoned with himself that his response must be the result of it having been so unfathomably long since he'd had a wench. Being so preoccupied with the acquisition of power, then basking in his glory, he'd neglected his more intimate needs.
The thought suddenly occurred to him, that if this was the case then maybe he should just seduce her and get it out of his system.

But no, that was out of the question. She was a mere mortal, just a native of an enchanted world. He was a king as well as a Demi-God, so would not lower his standards. And besides, he wouldn't wish to take advantage of her vulnerability.
His last thought Succeeded in unnerving him. He was being uncharacteristically considerate of her well being.
Why?
He owed her nothing.

Was it due to a subconscious paranoia about redeeming himself in order to hopefully reverse the damn prophecy?

"Yes..."
He tried convincing himself,
"...that HAS to be it."

Whatever the reasons, he decided he needed her gone as soon as possible. He'd fulfilled his promise to help her, so the sooner she was housed elsewhere the better.

Then hopefully things would return to 'normal' and he wouldn't have to think about it any further.

*************

Belle was momentarily panic stricken when she'd awoken with the sun rise early the next morning.

Confused about where she was, but as she registered the grand, ornate walls and beautiful large four poster bed she was in, she realised it hadn't all been a dream.
She really was in Asgard.

However, she'd not even had time to change back into her dress before there came a pounding upon the chamber door.

Apprehensively she opened it just wide enough to peer around.

Staring back at her was a broad, well built guard. His skin was tanned and he had blonde hair, stubble and....green eyes, that seemed strangely familiar to her.

"Yes?"
She asked, eyeing him curiously.

"I've been sent by his majesty to escort you to alternative accommodation"
He responded, with not even the slightest expression on his face.

Belle blinked rapidly at his unexpected announcement.

"But it is so early! I haven't even dressed yet...and am I to leave without seeing the king before I go?"

"I will permit you some time to dress my lady, but the king has instructed me to escort you straight from the palace..."

"Well, can I not at least bid him farewell?"
She persisted, and for a moment a look of doubt crossed the guards face.

He paused for a moment, then much to her irritation, shook his head.
"His majesty does not wish to be disturbed."

For a fleeting moment, he wondered if her sad expression was due to disappointment. But he dismissed the thought rather than explore the possibilities.

She muttered something to him about getting dressed and hurriedly closed the door in his face. Something that he was not used to. And he had to resist the urge to yell at her to hurry up.
Being a guard did not suit his character, he was much happier and at home being the one giving out the orders.

**************

Having left the palace on horseback, Belle made her way through the shining kingdom with the guard. He led her through the streets until the buildings gave way to fields, and after passing by a quaint village they eventually stopped at a small cottage on the outskirts of the forest.

"This will be your new place of residence"
The guard announced, as he dropped from his saddle.

He approached Belle to assist her down from her own horse, but impressively she'd already dismounted her own steed.

"It is very pretty"
She was saying, as she admired the white stone walls laced with ivy.

"It may seem slightly isolated, but the King insists this is necessary.."

"I don't mind, I find solace in the tranquility of the forest."
She replied simply.

"...the village is within walking distance, you can purchase supplies there."
He continued, suddenly producing a pouch filled with coins from his belt.

She took them graciously,
"The king is most generous... Please give him my thanks."

The guard proceeded to unlock the cottage door, allowing her to step inside and take a look around.

The place was dusty, he noticed as he followed her through the door, and it only contained the most basic of furniture ~ a bed, table with two chairs, a foot stool and a wooden chest for storage.

Yet still he noticed how the girl's eyes shone in wonderment like a child's, and her smile was genuine.

"This accommodation pleases you?"
He enquired with great interest.

Belle nodded enthusiastically in response.

"Where are you from?"
He now asked, causing her to hesitate and think carefully before she answered.

"It is of no importance.."

"So, you're not local. And the king has given you refuge here in Asgard?"

She frowned slightly, the man's curiosity was causing her to feel slightly awkward,
"Yes, what of it?"

"It's very gracious of his majesty, is it not?"

"Yes of course, he's been most kind to me."

The guard leaned towards her conspiratorially, and whispered.
"Some say that the wicked spirit of Loki inhabits the body of the Allfather, and that it is he who truly rules!"

Belle failed to stifle a surprised gasp,
"T-that is not possible...such a story can't be true."

"How can you be so certain? You're a foreigner and new to this world."

Belle firmly stood her ground, refusing to be drawn.
"I refuse to accept any such ridiculous rumour, I'm certain it's not true."

"But the shamed prince has done many terrible things, he is untrustworthy and capable of treason and far worse-"
He persisted, until she suddenly silenced him by raising her voice angrily,

"You do not know the reasons for his behaviour, so don't pronounce such an opinion of him!"

Registering the look of surprise on his face, she continued unashamedly, clearly agitated
"And you do not know him, so do not speak about him in such a way-"

"You speak as if you yourself know him!"
He argued,
"And why does it mean so much to you?"

"I know of him, and have my reasons, which are none of your business....now please leave."

She opened the door as a gesture for him to go but to her annoyance he did not move.

Unbeknown to Belle, he was stunned and even touched by her expression of loyalty.

Loki had had the idea to take on the identity of one of the guards, in order to test her trustworthiness.
And not only had she proved her ability to keep her promise, she'd also defended him.
This was something he really wasn't accustomed to.

"You...wish me to leave?"
He enquired, stalling for time whilst he was still slightly in shock.

"Yes I do."
She repeated, her tone stern and unwavering.

Her spirited response had the oddest impact on him, and he found himself sorely tempted to press his luck. After all, what harm could it do to permit himself to engage in a harmless flirtation?

Much to her astonishment, the guard leaned closer towards her, so his face was mere inches from her own.
"Are you sure there's nothing else I can do for you, my pretty one?"

Her face paled slightly at the realisation of his words. Was he....propositioning her?!

"I..I'm quite sure...I want nothing more from you...thank you!"
She swallowed hard.

Completely ignoring her, he suddenly snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her to him salaciously, making her squeal in alarm.

"Now are you absolutely certain you mean that? Or are you simply playing hard to get?"
He rasped, grinning wolfishly at her.

To her horror, he moved in for a kiss, but before his lips met with hers she slapped him hard across the face, causing him to reel backwards in shock.

"Do not put your hands on me again!"
She snapped.

Loki rubbed his face but couldn't hide the smirk that pulled at the corners of his mouth,
"You're fiery. I like that."

Belle's frown deepened upon hearing not only this statement, but also the smooth voice which spoke it.
She studied the familiar crooked smile and the beautiful green orbs that stared back at her mischievously.

"Y-you!"
Was all she could manage, her mind reeling from the knowledge that Loki himself had just attempted to kiss her.

Slowly the form of the guard melted away, revealing Loki dressed much more casually in simple, yet devastatingly smart, black attire.

"So....burly blondes are not your type then?"
He quipped, smiling wickedly at her.

This caused the shock she felt to be replaced by fury, and she glared at him angrily.
"Do you find it amusing to mock me with your deceit!?"

Still smirking, much to her irritation he simply leant idly against the door frame and folded his arms across his chest.
"I have the right to test your loyalty-"

"But you do not have the right to....try and....seduce me!"
She interjected crossly.

Loki rolled his eyes,
"Do not exaggerate. I was not attempting to seduce you, it was just a bit of fun really"

Cheeks flaming, she turned her face away.
"Well there is no sport in trying to toy with me....I am immune to the games that men play."

"I'm not like other men...."
He replied self-assuredly,
"...and if I truly intended to seduce you, then any resistance would be futile."

At that she turned back sharply to face him, chin tilted upwards defiantly,
"Many men abuse their position of power to command a woman's affection...so you are no different..."
She hissed, noting that his previous grin had now vanished,
"....that is what a harem is for, but I am not a loose woman so do not mistake me for one!"

Loki's expression was now thunderous, his green eyes resembling two blazing pools of lava,
"For your information, I do not command the affections of any woman. I have no harem and I only take a wench when she surrenders to me willingly!"
He growled, his tone menacing and venomous.
"So don't flatter yourself you mewling girl, your chastity is perfectly safe from me!"

With that he stormed out through the door, without looking back.